President’s message – February 2023
What do you do to support your community? Do you send money? Do you show up? Do you check on community members? I went with Micki Baker to visit Irving Friedman at his new residence in Carmichael this month, and his stories were amazing! He told of painting our synagogue, and the social hall, and expanding our rear parking lot… all kinds of ways he contributed to our community. You might even hear more at our anniversary celebration.
How do you support your community? Many people have stepped up to join our anniversary committee, to plan our celebrations. Much of the work can be done from home: researching, making calls, organizing materials… There is also work to get the building ready for members and visitors! We have some maintenance and repairs to get done by April, and we will be asking for help. We need people who can show up!
How do you contribute to the other communities you participate in? Some of you volunteer, take food to the hungry, donate clothing and food for the needy, help families with chores they can no longer do… How can you work with other committed people to make things better? We’re talking homelessness, housing, public safety, economic recovery… The first step is to show up! If this is the kind of work you might enjoy, there is an opportunity next Sunday to support Common Ground and take part in a powerful community organizing movement.
Common Ground’s Public Safety Team’s recent success in Vallejo, shepherding the adoption of a Public Oversight Commission for the Vallejo Police Department, is just one example of what can be done when we work together to build power in our communities. Joining this work also allows you to work with a great group of caring people. It gives others an opportunity to learn about us and our community, and helps our visibility in the greater community.
Join us on Sunday, February 26 for our Common Ground Delegates Assembly! You can register online. We will be gathering at First Christian Church of Vallejo (1035 Indiana St, Vallejo, CA 94590) from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
At this assembly, we will:
- Ratify our 2023 Budget
- Hear and share stories of local action from our institutions
- Develop a strategy for Economic Recovery in the wake of the pandemic
- Build relationships with leaders across Solano and Napa counties
Let’s find a way to be more like Irving, and show up to show our support!
– Cheryl Gewing
P.S. We had 3 members of CBI attend this event!